Haunted Texas examines unexplained phenomena by blending the past with the present, the contemporary with the historical. The show uses both modern technology and historical research to shed light on the paranormal. This combination is on display in the pilot episode, which investigates ghost sightings around Peyton Colony, an old freedman’s settlement near Blanco. The tech side is highlighted by a digital tape recorder with shielded cable and directional microphone that’s employed to capture EVPs (electronic voice phenomena). However, prior to attempting to physically document any paranormal activity, the history of the area is reviewed.

It’s this emphasis on the past that makes Haunted Texas unique from other similar shows. The producers have partnered with the General Land Office’s Save Texas History project, allowing access to original documents and rare photos. The pilot also includes interview segments with Lawrence Coffee, an area-resident for 69 years, who provides a first-hand perspective on life in Peyton Colony. Haunted Texas offers an authentic historical context to their investigation.

The show was created by Jeanine Plumer, owner of Austin Ghost Tours, and Rebel Rebel, a local production company. They are currently seeking the funding to expand the Haunted Texas pilot into a series for public television.

— David Lauderman

About the reviewer: David Lauderman is KLRU’s Director of Programming Services. A retired hoopster/gym rat, he and his wife Joie now enjoy competing in dog agility with their two border collies. Two of his personal favorite KLRU series are American Experience and Secrets of the Dead.

The pilot episode of Haunted Texas is a half-hour real life adventure that uses in-depth historical research along with technology to explore the unexplained from the past to the present.

Host Jeanine Plumer has been listening to ghost stories for over a decade as owner of Austin Ghost Tours, and plans to prove that there is no such thing as ghosts … as you believe them to be.

Each episode Haunted Texas will travel throughout Texas to investigate different stories and locations, rich in history and steeped in paranormal lore. The first episode investigates the ghost sightings in the old Freedman’s Colony, outside of Blanco, Texas. In addition to the April 8th premier, this episode will also air on Tuesday, April 20, at 10:30 p.m. and Monday, April 26, at 9:30 p.m.